Gut Biology
for Good Health

Gut Biology plays a key role in our general pyhsical and even mental health. It’s one of the more revolutionary topics in health at the moment, perhaps because we are only just starting to understand how important the gut microbiome is to the wellbeing of our body and mind.  It seems that there is more than a little accuracy in the expression ‘go with your gut’…

WHAT

Basically, what we are talking about is the bacteria living in the digestive tract. Your gut is composed of trillions of microbes working hard to help power the entire body. This microbiome is essentially a miniature ecosystem living within your body and affects everything from metabolism and the immune system, to how you store fat, balance glucose levels in the blood and produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Researchers have even discovered that a nervous system in the gut communicates with your brain, indicating that it plays a role in mental health issues including depression and anxiety. The more this microbiota is studied, the more evidence is revealed that the wellness of your physiology and mental functioning seem to be intricately tied to your gut health.

WHY

It may sound crazy, but more and more studies are indicating that this tiny ecosystem in your gut is affecting nearly every facet of your health. Each person’s microbiota is unique, containing a different mix of bacteria from anyone else. Studies show that the number of gut bacteria in healthy people is different from those with certain diseases. Good gut bugs help the body to digest and absorb nutrients, synthesize certain vitamins and keep the immune system up to par. Not enough variety of them and your body can’t do these things as efficiently.

HOW

The good news is, maintaining a thriving microbiome doesn’t have to be complicated.  In fact, your body can create a new microbiota in just 24 hours! The foods you eat are crucial to maintain optimal gut diversity; fiber, fermentation and nutrient-dense whole foods are the name of the game.

The two components of a happy gut are probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the actual ‘good gut bugs’ and prebiotics are the food and nutrients for these bacteria. You can get your probiotics through fermented foods (think sauerkraut, tempeh, kefir, kombucha, kimchi…).  Prebiotics are in certain fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with fiber being the King of all prebiotics.

Good luck with your gut!